Jonathan Pienaar, 62, has tragically died ahead of his upcoming projects being released. The South African actor is perhaps best known for starring alongside Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio in 2006’s Blood Diamond. The star passed away in his sleep on the morning of November 10 at his home in Johannesburg, according to the South African news outlet, News 24.

His ex-wife, Rosana Maya, confirmed the heartbreaking news and said they were “recently divorced”. Rosana said his death was due to heart failure and explained he had previously suffered a heart attack and his health had been deteriorating.

She told News 24: “I had a nurse here looking after him, and she said that she went in to see him and he said, ‘Where am I?’ and fell asleep again. When the nurse went to give him his medication, he passed on.”

Rosana added: “There’s so much one could say about Johnny. It’s still a bit raw. He really was one of the most unique people that I’ve ever encountered on this planet.

“We spent some glorious years together creating and doing the most unbelievable projects.He had such a beautiful mind and so creative.”

She added: “The world is a lesser place without him. He was just a beautiful soul, and he gave so much for so little.”

According to IMDb, Jonathan has three projects currently in post-production, which include the action movie, Recoil.

Tributes have been flooding in from former colleagues and co-stars since the news of his passing.

“Jonathan Pienaar, not only were you a colleague and a friend, you were a soul mate, my Brother. My hart is in stukke (My heart is in pieces),” director Denver Vraagom penned.

Andrew Holmes shared on X: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Jonathan Pienaar’s passing. Johnny was truly one of a kind — a man who had that rare zest for life that just can’t be taught. We will always remember the legend that is Johnny Pienaar. Rest in Peace JP.”

Ryan Kruger said, “Devastated by the passing of Jonathan Pienaar. Great friend, amazing actor, I will forever miss our late-night phone calls. Every phone call starts with Howzit, my beautiful brother?”